Orphaned sisters who donated mother’s organs will get land

HÀ TĨNH — Hà Tĩnh Province has decided to give land and partially fund the construction of a house for the three orphaned sisters who donated their mother’s organs after she died suddenly.

Authorities from Cẩm Xuyên District, where the three girls live, on Tuesday communicated the wish of the oldest sister, 19-year-old Nguyễn Thị Sáng, to the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA). Sáng said she hoped she could continue living in her hometown with her family.

The district has decided to assign a plot to the sisters and help them build a house on it. Meanwhile, the two younger girls, aging 17 and two, will stay at Hà Tĩnh Orphanage, where Sáng will be given a job.

On Monday, MoLISA’s Social Protection Department Director Nguyễn Văn Hồi had communicated condolences, given them gifts from Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc, and offered them support.

The department head said that the two younger children could stay in a childcare centre in Bình Dương Province and that Sáng would get help to find a job with stable income. Hồi also said local authorities would do everything they could to support the young girls if they wished to continue living in their hometown.

On March 19, their mother was rushed to HCM City’s Chợ Rẫy Hospital following a serious traffic accident. While waiting at the hospital, Sáng saw a video clip that explained how organs from a brain-dead donor could save the lives of seven to eight people.

When she learnt that her mother was brain dead and could not be saved, Sáng decided to donate her organs. She later explained to the media that when her mother was alive, she had always helped people in difficulty and had taught her children to do the same. “I think my mother would be pleased with my decision,” Sáng said.

Four patients with kidney, liver and cornea-related medical conditions received her organs and a fresh lease of life, thanks to Sáng’s decision.

President Trần Đại Quang sent Sáng a letter of appreciation for her brave decision and gave her VNĐ20 million (US$880). Hà Tĩnh Province’s People Committee has given her another VNĐ10 million. — VNS